Seminole County leaders give update on Hurricane Dorian

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Seminole County leaders held a news conference Tuesday ahead of Hurricane Dorian, which has slowed down to a Category 2 storm.

Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma urged the public to be aware as they drive on the roads. 

"If you do get on the road, you have to be aware of certain things," Lemma said.

Common advice includes:

• Do not drive through standing water.
• Be prepared for high winds on the road.
• Watch for downed power lines.
• Use caution when crossing intersections.
• Treat a traffic light like a four-way stop if power is lost.

If you are out on the road and don't feel comfortable, the sheriff recommends calling 911 for assistance.

When the storm passes, homeowners will be eager to get out and clean up any debris that might have traveled to their yard. 

Lemma cautions residents who feel the need to rush out and clean up.

Officials say use extreme caution when cleaning up property after the storm. The ground may still be soft and trees can still come down even after the storm passes.

When the storm does arrive, city officials want residents to be in the safest part of their homes. 

This area will be on the first level of the home in a center location without window access. Locals are advised to keep doors closed because wind blowing through the house can pick up items and send them flying through the house. 

The National Weather Service activated a flood warning for the county in anticipation of the Category 2 storm. Emergency management officials stressed to exercise caution as Hurricane Dorian closes in on Florida's east coast. 

"Localized flooding is possible and flooding along the St. Johns River is expected at the end of the week," Alan Harris, Seminole County's emergency manager, said.

Hurricane Dorian is on the move Tuesday morning battering the Bahamas as Florida waits to see what type of impact the storm will make on the Sunshine State.

Officials said if no damage is done to county infrastructure when Dorian passes, shelters will close tomorrow at 1 p.m.